Chivas USA’s training session this Wednesday gratefully welcomed back Tim Melia after the goalkeeper was away from the pitch due to a back injury that caused him to go under the (knife?).

Working hand-in-hand with team captain Dan Kennedy and Goalkeeper Coach Claine Plummer, Melia did some specific exercises that allowed him to initiate himself into the Rebaño’s goalkeeping routines as soon as possible. However, the 27-year-old made sure he didn’t do any flexion or bending over, or any volleys, a type of exercise he will need to incorporate slowly.

After today’s session, in an interview with cdchivasusa.com, Melia spoke about his return to the field and the rehab work he’s been undergoing during the past few months.

“I feel good, I feel excited to be back and be back in the mix,” said the ‘keeper. “I missed not being around the guys and around soccer. I have been working hard in the East Coast, doing therapy five days a week.”

Melia trusts he will able to return to the fields in a month, but for that he will have to keep on working really hard to make sure his recovery goes according to his wishes. In the meantime, he will continue to root for his team on a daily basis as one of the veteran players in the Red-and-White locker room, and as he’s been doing thus far.

“I would say I have about another month to be back in the game and to be making saves slowly but gradually. I have not done any work involving impact yet or on the ground, but give me one more month, and I will be ready for it,” concluded Melia.